I’ve thought so many times about how I would write a summary of this past year. I’ve typed and deleted more times than I can count. Honestly, I never want to wish a way time but I am hopeful that 2022 will be a more restful year for my family.

There were many highs, like going to many nationals again this year and feeling like things may get back to normal, post covid. I made a couple of mains at Nationals, my confidence grew and I can see improvements in my riding. Going to church together as a family on Easter, that’s pretty big for this momma. Calen and Camron both winning their Gold Cup race and Calen ending up GC #1 for the year. All three boys finishing in the top 10 for district and Camison finishing 1st in district for girls.

There were also many lows this year and it was probably one of the toughest years I’ve had in a long time. My Dad was diagnosed with throat cancer this year. He spent a month in the hospital and is two treatments away from finishing his radiation. He had to have his voice box removed and has a trach. I’ll never hear my Daddy’s real voice again and that has crushed me many times. I spent the last day of the year in the ER with my Dad.

I’ve learned so much over this past year, I’ve learned how to really lean on the Lord. I’ve learned to be more adaptable when things/plans change in an instant. I’ve learned that the Lord will enable you to do way more than you think you can if he desires. I’ve learned more about relationships and loving people well. I think our family is ready for a New Year and all the hopes it can bring. Here we go, 2022.

Some recent conversations with Carson 🙂

Carson:  Mom, I want a starscream(transformer).

Me:  No

Carson:  Why?

Me:  Because you don’t always get a toy just because you want it.  It cost money and you need to earn it.

Carson:  I can buy it with my check card.

I’m sitting in the chair pumping milk for Calen.

Carson:  Mom, Will you have to take your breast pump to heaven and pump milk for Calen?

Mom:  I hope not.  I’m sure that God will have food for everyone.

This week we have had Vacation Bible school at church.  I’m working in the nursery with the bed babies and it’s been fun.  I did not want to leave Calen so that is why I decided to do nursery this year instead of helping with a class.  Carson and Camron have had a fun week.  They love to come home and sing the songs they are learning and do the motions.  Carson has been afraid of the opening music just like he was last year.  It’s so loud and overwhelming in the sanctuary so he comes in the nursery with me until it’s over.  At the end of the week when we had commencement night he actually got up on the stage and sang his song in front of everyone.  I was so surprised and my heart was about to burst.  I love seeing my babies praise God.

One day I was having to pump some milk for Calen and Carson came and sat beside me.  He asked me “Are you going to have to pump milk for Calen in heaven?”  I giggled and said “I don’t think so.  We are going to have the best food in heaven and God will make sure that Calen get’s just what he needs.”  I love those curious little questions he comes up with.  He is growing so fast and he is so amazing.

Did I mention that I am tired 😦  Calen has had some major sleep regression and I’m worn out.  I know he is teething and I’m really hoping that he is back to his good sleeping soon.  B was gone last night so I had all 3 boys in bed with me and I think I had about 2 hours of sleep.  I really do not want to rush my children growing up but I dream about the nights that I have my bed back and can sleep all night.

My mom is gone to Florida so we went and spent some time over with my Dad.  I remember growing up that my parent’s argued a lot.  It’s funny because now that they are older and home together all day they hate to be apart.  I know my Dad misses her when she is gone so we tried to keep him company for a while.

The baby chicks will be 3 weeks old tomorrow.  Lucy is such a great mom.  She let’s them jump all over her and she stays right with them protecting them.  I love to watch her teach them new things like how to scratch and look for food and how to walk up the ramp to the chicken coop.  The other girls kind of ignore them so that’s good because I was worried about how they would act.

I started a spiritual journal this week.  There are a lot of thoughts that I don’t feel comfortable putting on the internet so I needed a place to write them.  I also wanted to keep up with some of my favorite scriptures so I’m adding those as well.